2007 Mazda B4000 SE 4x4 Road Test

It skillfully avoids retirement homes

14 year is a long time. In dog years, that's a lifetime, but in car years, it's en eternity. We have the impression that the current generation B-Series pickup, as well as its Ford brother, the Ranger, have been with us for ages.

That's not surprising. Introduced in 1994, the B-Series hasn't gotten a major change since. What's worse is that even the grille hasn't changed for 10 years. So, how do you distinguish a 2007 from a 1998? You don't.

The B-Series is the least zoom-zoom of Mazda's line-up but it is not without character.

No mechanical changes... almost
Three engines figure on the spec sheet of the B-Series, as it has always been in the last 14 years. A 2.3L or 2.5L (depending on model year) 4-cylinder, a 3.0L V6 and a 4.0L V6 are offered. In fact, the only notable changes for the B4000 have been the addition of a gear in the automatic transmission in 1999, and a bump in horsepower in 2001, rising from 160 to 207.

The horsepower number might seem weak compared to the 261-hp rating of the Nissan Frontier and the 260-hp rating of the Dodge Dakota. However, don't forget that the B4000 is smaller and lighter than these two rivals. The engine benefits from a lot of torque at low-end, which allow for quick getaways. Also, there is no traction control here: in 2WD mode, the rear tires scream for mercy when you stomp on the gas pedal.

The automatic B4000 has a towing capacity of 5,580 lbs (2,530 kg) when properly equipped. However, up to 2,000 lbs (907 kg) can be towed directly off the rear bumper, at least, that's what's written on it.

Unlike Mazda's advertising, the B4000 doesn't have a racy character. The engine is capable, but it doesn't manifest any willingness to be sollicitated. In addition, this old V6 uses up fuel like, well, an old V6; to the tune of 17.5 L/100 km during the test.

The B4000's ride is firm but not as refined as the Ridgeline's or the Frontier's.